Church & Nonprofit Law Associate

Simms Showers LLP • Leesburg, VA

2d • $100,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Simms Showers Law is hiring an experienced church and nonprofit attorney to serve churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations throughout their life cycles, from formation and tax exemption through governance, policy, and organizational transactions. The associate or senior associate will manage matters independently, serve as a primary point of contact for clients and their boards, and take on increased responsibility with experience. The role works alongside experienced partners on complex matters and with a collaborative team, including paralegals and support staff.

The firm describes itself as mission-driven, integrating faith into the practice of law with excellence. Its culture is intellectually rigorous and warm, with close collaboration and investment in colleagues. The position is based in Leesburg, Virginia, and is full-time.

The salary range is $100,000–$200,000+ depending on experience and qualifications, with an opportunity to transition to an hourly and collections-based compensation structure. The firm offers advancement tracks and partnership opportunity.

Requirements

• 2–10 years of experience in church law, nonprofit law, or tax-exempt organization law.
• Active Virginia Bar license.
• Substantive experience advising on federal tax exemption and exempt-organization compliance, including Form 1023.
• Strong drafting skills across governance documents, policies, and contracts.
• Ability to manage matters independently and communicate clearly with clients, boards, and church leaders.
• For senior candidates, experience supervising junior attorneys or paralegals.

Responsibilities

• Form churches and nonprofits, including drafting articles of incorporation, bylaws, constitutions, and resolutions.
• Advise clients on federal tax-exempt status, including Form 1023 strategy, organizational classification, reinstatement, and ongoing compliance.
• Advise churches and nonprofits on foreign grantmaking and international charitable activities, including OFAC sanctions compliance.
• Advise boards and leadership on governance, leadership structures, membership issues, employment, and organizational decision-making.
• Draft organizational policies, including child protection, facility use, employment, security, and conflict of interest policies.
• Draft and review contracts and agreements related to operations, programs, property, and facilities.
• Handle mergers, affiliations, reorganizations, asset transfers, and dissolutions.
• Handle charitable solicitation registrations across multiple states.
• Research federal and state law affecting religious and nonprofit organizations and provide practical, strategic advice.
• Manage a caseload, monitor deadlines, and coordinate with paralegals and support staff.

Benefits

• 401(k) with a 4% firm match.
• Annual profit sharing and cash balance plan contributions.
• Multiple health insurance options, with the firm paying 75% of individual premiums and 60% of qualified dependents' premiums.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive salary.
• Clear advancement tracks with partnership opportunity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed